Saturday, January 27, 2007

I think this is really cool... here is where you can get yours: hardcorebaby.etsy.com. Her baby onesies rock! Oh I need a baby to give a present too! Next baby gift I give have got to be the "iPoo" or the "Baby got Back" onesies! To funny! Thanks Melissa!

Friday, January 26, 2007

Finally a new item! I feel like I have been working on this site so much and filling orders that I have not been able to really create something new and fabulous. So here it is! The pet dish mat. Ok, it's silly I know but fun, right?

Our cat Bliss could not wait for my photo session to end to have ago.

The idea started out with a problem to solve. Don insists that the cat food tin sits right there with the cat bowls. I agree it keeps the cats from fighting. But the problem is that the water dish is constantly spilling out on to the floor and is making a rust ring on the floor.

One of our favorites gift shops is this great store in CaryTown called Mogrel. It always has great kitchy items for your pet. Well ages ago we had gotten a mat for the cat bowls from that store. With two sick kids a trip to Carytown was out of the question. So off I go to google for a bit of inspiration. Check out what I found I love, love, love these! But my .99 cent Ikea bowls are just fine with me. But I am loving the mats!

So off I went. And now the patterns done, the oilcloth picked out, the samples done, and the items listed on Etsy. I love an idea that just falls together! I will be making them in other colors too, for oilcloth samples at my flickr page.

Thursday, January 25, 2007

I have had too much fun going to all the new blogs I found over at ESTY on monday... Here are a just a few of the thing that I loved from just a few of the great crafters that I have found! Craft On Ladies, Craft On!!

We are all a bit under the weather today. I was cozy in my bedroom crocheting a new lovey for my Etsy site when the kids yelled up that there was snow storm! With in 10 minutes it looked like this outside! The kids and I were warmly dressed and playing in the snow. All signs of our lazy day gone.

Within 10 more minutes it looked like this Snow and sunshine. And now 30 minutes later nothing! Crazy weather! We do not get much here so we love every tiny bit of it. Dear Mother Nature may we please have more soon? For me back to work!

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Yesterday was cold, icy and dreary. I did not want to teach so we called it a snowday. I did not want to sew. I tried to crochet but my handwarmers were so bad that I only made one. Bad tv was not comforting me. I had checked all my blogs that I read. I had walked on the treadmill for an hour. I had read for an hour. I was discontented!

What to do... the kids were happily playing and did not know I was even in the house. (a good thing!). So finally I head over to ETSY to clean up my site. And then I had a brainstorm... the forums. I posted that I had a lonley little blog. I was so excited people posting and lots! What a great place esty is! If it were there 15 years ago I could see my life being really really different! Not better just different! Do you know what I mean? It is great to have place were you belong!

Here are just a few that responded to my call for fellow craft blogs...

Saturday, January 20, 2007

So a year and a half ago I could not wait one minute longer for my dining room wall to be gone for good! So I consulted many a professional to see if it was a load bearing wall. I even tore up a floorboard in my closet and went into the crawl space to see which way the beams were going. ICK. So I packed up all my books that lived along that wall and went to tearing it out. I had a blast. I did it all myself! Well till I got bored and just wanted it done! By that time I had done all the framing for the new wall and sheetrocked everthing. The contractors were avaible to start on the back room, now our studio. I said finish it for me! That was good money spent! I like that I did the hard part!

Any way long story short... I have never gotten out the books. Today I went looking for a beading book. Someone gave me in 1991. And I found these great books I had forgotten all about. Shopping in the attic is great.Who knew I was making the best cutting table I could have imagined! My 6 year old son took this photo. That is his pile of fleece that he picked for our new ModernLovie dolls. More on that later!

Friday, January 19, 2007

So today I am spending a bit of time loading some of my ModernJune photo's up on Flickr As I was creating an album of some of the vintage aprons that I have sold. Well a couple of them have great stories. Here is just one of them...

This is the apron that I called the Green Goddess. It received the most hits on my ETSY site. Everyone loved this one. It was plus sized so it had to wait for the perfect owner. I have made a few version's of this. see my Modern June Originals album.

The perfect owner was also the perfect shopper. She bought 5 other aprons that day at the Market! She bought a toddler apron for a newborn baby. She was going to see Mom and babe in the Hospital that day. I love gifts like that the ones you have to wait to use. It reminds you of the special thought someone had of you babies future. VERY COOL!

Thursday, January 18, 2007

The other day I was asked whether I wore my aprons dressed up or in sweats. Well I must admit I have worn my aprons with it all, right down to my PJ’s.

There is a great discussion going on in the comments. On this itty-bitty blog with just a few faithful readers there has been some small talk about the wearing of aprons. Look through then. They make my day! I am loving the comments so if u are reading this, chat with me!

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Boy I like my new roomates computer in our studio! I got to half-watch my most favorite TV show--- Ballykissangel!

My sweet hubby has gotten me the DVD's for birthdays, Valentines Day and Christmas's for the last few years. They are special because 9 years ago we found the show aired on PBS on Saturday nights. We were new parents and missed our date nights. Bally K and take out and a colicy baby became DATE Night! Well anyway having seen todays episodes more than twice I was able to whip through 6 aprons today and almost finish 3 more. Yahoo!

I have added to new oilcloth prints to my collection. I am looking forward to getting a new set of pictures taken of them all. I have learned a few new things about my camera and I want to play with it some more.

Monday, January 15, 2007

I am so very, very tired! I am now on week 3 of what seems to be a “Whole House Re-ORG.” Who knew? My dear husband must have known. I mean after all it is January and you cannot go anywhere, watch T V or read any thing with out Organization as the main subject.

I do love a clean house! I do love a clutter-free house. I love the kids having there own rooms I now have a dining room free of school desks! I actually have two corners with out a single item in them in that room! And I have a living room free of toys! Well almost. I have yet to rid my room of the trinket basket. The trinket basket is the place I put all the itty-bitty toys that need a home and I don’t feel like finding it right now. You know, the first place I send my children to look for what they have lost and are desperate to find!What I really love is having my husband join me in the studio. I mean what would I do with a room all to myself? It was said to me once that we live in every room of your home. Well that is still so very true. Way to true. No room for just “company” here. I am really looking forward to having our studio cardboard box free! I need to get crafty! We both worked all weekend getting it straight! I am loving the fabric for the studios new roman shades! I got it for aprons but oh well maybe if there is any left I’ll whip some up!

The kids and I went to Joann’s today. Spring is coming!!! But first I have a great idea for Valentines Day aprons. I must get going. I’ll only make a few since it is right around the corner!

Friday, January 12, 2007

I have great friends, a lot of really great friends. Today’s friend of the day is…KIMMY!Kimmy is a great Mom, she makes incredible jewelry, she works her ass off PT, and she could make a million dollars off her granola bars. Check her out at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=51593

ANYWAY, She rocks. Yesterday I asked her to make sure that my son made it into art coop while I leiserly went grocery shopping alone and not a 6:00 AM. Well the poor thing had to deal with a massive fit from my son. She never said a word about it but later via email she sent me this… (she even asked help me make the cookies)

~ Sample the Cuervo to check quality.~ Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink. ~ Turn on the electric mixer...Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.~ Add one teaspoon of sugar...Beat again. At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK, try another cup ...just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy.~ Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit,~Pick the frigging fruit off floor... Mix on the turner. If the frieddruit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver. ~ Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups ofsalt, or something. Who giveshz a sheet. Check the Jose Cuervo again forconsistancy. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fallover.~Don't forget to beat off the turner. Finally, throw the bowl through thewindow, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.

YUM!This Neclace is so great i went out and bought a shirt just to wear with it!

Thursday, January 11, 2007

I thought this was a great post that someone left on my blog! check it out...Thanks for your imput Grazie!!!

Dear Modern June:

I am interested in women's culture in the traditional and postmodern context --- for example, Aprons as Power Symbols! I sometimes leave my house apron on when I walk my dog off leash because I believe it wards off the perception that I am going to let him do a "no-no" in neighbor's yards.

My daughter said no one dares challenge a woman wearing an apron ... she might have a rolling pin with her!Grazie!

my response was this....I love wearing my aprons out in my "Hood". Never thought to have my rolling pin too! Not a bad idea at night!

I too love the culture of the apron. I am on a mission to bring back the Word "HOUSEWIFE". When that word ended up on our tax return 8 years ago I was so offened. But now if my DH says that the house is not to his liking "I say Shove off I am the HOUSEWIFE!"

I hear men talking about how their house should look, what color paint the living room should be or what kind of sofa they should have...I say HELLO aren't we as HOUSEWIVES in charge of that?

We don't go to thier office and say you know you should keep you penicles on the right side of you computer! Oh and that screen saver is to yellow.

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Well after spending way to much time on the computer I went to work on the kids rooms. They both slept in their own rooms last night! Everything was moved around before dinner. I still have alot of fun stuff to do but the hard stuff is done.

Isn't it easy to live OUTSIDE your means? I resisted the need to have all new bedding and a all new bed for that matter. Of course Ikeas was calling me to that metel loft bed! Why do I want something different. Don't get me wrong I am not a EVERYTHING MUST BE NEW AND GREAT kinda girl. BUT I do pour throw magaizines and Pottery Barn Cataloges where everything is so perfect. The reality is that my kids have that bed and those sheets for a long damn time! And the good thing is they don't know. And that is where we have done a great job parenting. My son did not walk in the room and say "where are the space sheets and why is my bed not metal?" He walked in and said that the room was great and turned to me and said "Thanks Mom"

Monday, January 8, 2007

Well... CRD is Central Robotic Development. And the company owner is my Son, Aidan. And the lab for CDR is his new bedroom! Take a look!

Here we have the CRD Heating Robot. This old old old model is in for referb.

And here is the Heating robot after one can of spray paint and three hours!

The Robots arrive! There is no bed, no dresser, just a bookcase. So bring on the toys! Right? On wall complete, well kinda!

Check out this for art work. I lingered at Lowes for about and hour just looking for inspiration and what do I find on my way to the bathroom. At $3.50 each, I thought these range vents would be great hanging on the wall! And grouped in an odd number they look so cool.

To hang them:

Put those 3M sticky hooks on the wall

Thread floral wire on the back, making sure it is not seen from front

Hang and enjoy how easy that was!

Check out the flooring! YOU know that was so sloppy painting with that orange sheet. (See my flikr link) I was too lazy to use plastic. Well the floor is covered with paint. Yesterday in a hormonal funk I got to cleaning it. Only to get a giant splinter in my bum. And no paint off!

After removal of said splinter and many bad words later I ran off to Lowes. I LOVE Lowes! I can't have my babies (yes I know the youngest is 6) playing on that floor. It is dangerous and I really need to cover the paint splats. So I went to the flooring department I looked and looked. Nothing. I was about to get in the car and drive 90 minutes to get to IKEA and there it was. The old letter tiles got a redo. You know the ones with the letters punched out. Well these are larger the are each 2' x 2' and not badly priced. I am thinking that these should not have any bite marks since my babies are 6 and 9. We shall see. I really think these are perfect! Don't you agree! Very Industrial-Laboratory.

Well stay tuned we have a lot to go still. Today we painted the dresser drawer fronts. I am thinking that this might be enough but I am sure that in the end I'll paint the entire piece.

Happy, Happy...I have a project! I do promise to get back to work sometime soon...

Thursday, January 4, 2007

I need to make something. Now do not get me wrong I am caring for little ones and older one's and that is a wonderful job to have. I have painted a room, twice (don't ask) with lots more fun to come. I have been "Super Organizer" and tackled some problem areas. I finished The Hobbit and started reading The Lord of the Rings. But that is not satisfying me right now; nothing makes me feel better than making something great. And if the project is quick all the better. I was such a workhorse prior to Christmas. I had to work hard just to not have a project going in my hands. Here I am ready to work, but we need to get school back on track (I homeschool). Boo Hoo I need to craft. Let's see craft or sleep? And it is not one of those I can go into the studio and gather stuff I already own and whip up something fabulous. No I need to shop! I need a fresh piece of fabric. I need great trim. Crazy color combos that I have yet explore.

I had this idea while at the Bowling Alley on New Years Eve. Bowling from 6-9 on NYEVE is our new tradition. They gave us party favors and had a count down the kids loved it. And we were all in bed by 9:45 safe and cozy! ANY WAY...my little girl was wearing this great shirt. It is totally Maddie!

I love the grey tone on tone. I am having a pink, lavender and orange ric rac dream. I am thinking Tote! And apron. And head bands. Too much a good thing is overkill I know. Maddie picked out the great pink buttons yesterday. She promised I could use on or two. We shall see.

Oh I need one hour at a fabric store and I am golden! Not to mention 3 to 4 hours all alone. One can dream!

Check out the pretty, crazy lights. Sensory o-v-e-r-l-o-a-d....... do you know they have music videos blasting? I was mesmerized. It was 1984 all over again

As part of my "Fresh Start" I cleaned out my craft cabinit the other day and came across these. The Sugar Roses from our Wedding. I Love them so. That was still the best cake I have yet to have. Three different cakes, three different sizes, three differnt flavors. Strawberry, Vanilla and Chocolate. yum! yum!

The craft cabinet is sweet isn't it? Our home was built in 1927. This cabinet is the sole survior of the orginal kitchen wall cabinets. A dear friend of mine, Denise and I took it from its orignal home in the kitchen. Our kids were so young then, back when TV was REALLY special. We let them watch Totoro or something and went to work. It now resides in my dining room above my computer. (one day I hope that my dining room is just for dining ; ), not a school room, office and craft area, oh yeah and we eat there too).

Here it is all clean and spiffied up. I love it! Now if I could have a whole room like this!